About the Speaker: Daniel Sands MD, MPH
Dr. Sands is an internationally recognized expert in the area of clinical computing and particularly on the use of electronic mail for physician-patient communication. In 2003, he received an IT Innovator award from Healthcare Informatics magazine for his leadership in advancing Electronic Patient Centered Communication. He is a Fellow of the American College of Medical Informatics.

Abstract:
Patients are turning to the Web for health information more than they seek formal medical care. These "cyberpatients" expect that their physicians-like others with whom they interact-will communicate electronically, share information, encourage information seeking, and offer online transactions.  Unfortunately, many physicians and practices are not up to the challenge and are even resistant to offering these services.  Yet engaged patients can be a pleasure to care for and ease some of the burdens of traditional clinical practice. In fact, the appropriate use of information technology can favorably transform patient care, to the benefit of both patient and clinician.